On Sunday, China vowed to step up coordination with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) to promote de-escalation of tensions in the Middle East, warning that the current situation is „highly complex and sensitive“.
Zhai Jun, China's special envoy for Middle East affairs, made the statement during a meeting with GCC Secretary-General Yasser Mohamed Albudaiwi in Riyadh, the Saudi capital.
Zhai called on all sides to immediately reach a ceasefire and end hostilities, prevent further escalation of tensions and return to the path of negotiations as soon as possible, according to a report released by the Chinese Foreign Ministry.
The Chinese side appreciates the GCC's position, which was clearly expressed at an emergency meeting of its ministerial council, that dialogue and diplomacy are the only way to overcome the current crisis and maintain regional security, Zhai said.
„China will play a constructive role, working with the GCC and Gulf countries to actively promote peace, end hostilities and de-escalate tensions,“ He added.
Zhai is touring the region in response to the US-Israeli attacks on Iran and subsequent Iranian retaliation that has increased instability in the Middle East.
During Sunday's meeting, Albudaiwi warned that the ongoing escalation in the Gulf region poses a serious threat to global security and stability and benefits no one.
He said the GCC appreciates China's efforts to promote peace and end hostilities and is ready to strengthen communication and coordination with China to jointly ease tensions.
English 
Czech 
Spanish 
French 
Italian 
Russian 
Chinese 
German